However, sometimes people do not end up receiving the benefits they are entitled to under the law…
Each year thousands of workers in Missouri are injured on the job. Unfortunately, however, some of these injuries are fatal. If an employee dies while on the job, it is the responsibility of the employer or insurer to notify the Division of Workers Compensation within 30 days of knowing about the incident. Then, the Division will notify the dependents about what their legal rights are.
However, sometimes people do not end up receiving the benefits they are entitled to under the law because they are not aware that they are eligible for certain benefits.
What Are the Survivors Benefits?
The survivors of an employee that dies due to a work related accident, are generally the surviving spouse and surviving dependent children. They are entitled to weekly benefits. First of all, the employer or insurer is responsible for paying funeral costs up to $5,000. In addition, the weekly benefit is paid at 66 2/3% of the deceased employees average weekly rate.
The responsibility of paying these benefits is on the employer and its workers compensation insurer. If the employer did not have workers compensation insurance and the employee died due to a work related injury, then the Missouri Second Injury Fund is responsible for the payment of benefits.
Questions About Survivors Benefits?
Many of these situations can contain very complicated legal issues. The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann has a strong history of helping the family members of a person that has died on the job, receive the financial compensation they need. Based in St. Louis, and handling workers compensation cases throughout the State of Missouri, our law firm will ensure that your rights are protected. Please call (314) 361-4300 for a free consultataion.
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